Who Is LeBron James?

LeBron Raymone James Sr. was born on December 30, 1984, in the city of Akron, Ohio. James stands at 6-foot-9 and weighs approximately 250 lbs. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. James takes the role of a small forward or a power forward and wears the number 23 on his jersey.

He is widely referred to as one of the Greatest Of All Time. James has won multiple NBA Championships which proves his impressive skills ang talents. He has also been named MVP four times, and an All-Star selection 20 times. 

LeBron’s Early Life and Career

James started playing basketball at an early age. He played for St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his hometown. During his first year, when he was standing at 6’2”, James averaged 21 points and 6 boards per game. 

His dominance continued throughout his high school career. James led his team to three state championships within his four paying years. His impressive skills and potential as a youngster have captivated the eyes of the media and prospect teams.

In 2003, he was the first overall draft pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2004, James was named the Rookie of the Year.

LeBron’s NBA Career History

From High School to the Cavaliers

James played well in the league, even within his first year. This is proven enough as being the first Cavalier to win a Rookie of the Year award. However, his efforts alone weren’t enough to bring the team into payoffs.

His rise to stardom didn’t take too much time. James earned his first NBA All-Star selection in the 2004-05 season, wherein he contributed well for the Eastern Conference with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.

The following year, in 2006, LeBron led the East to victory, scoring 29 points. This exceptional performance earned him the NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player Award. He played for the Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010, earning multiple accolades, including MVP awards in 2009 and 2010.

Move to the Miami Heat

Unfortunately, James couldn’t lift the Cavaliers to an NBA championship. It was inevitable that he received negative reactions from the Cavs fans following his move to the Miami Heat in 2010.

James continued to shine on the court alongside NBA legends Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. He earned his first NBA Championship in 2012, together with an MVP Award. The following year, the Miami Heat won a back-to-back Championship, and James earned another MVP Award.

After an exciting journey with the Heats, LeBron returned to fulfill a promise with the Cavaliers.

Return to Cleveland

James decided to return to the Cavaliers in 2014. Birthing an iconic rivalry with the Golden State Warriors, the two franchises faced each other four times. James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA championship in 2016.

The 2016 Finals is a historic win for the Cavs. They were down by 3-1, needing to win all the remaining games to win the ring and the title. James did not back down, leading the franchise to its first win and, together with his teammate Kyrie Irving, on an epic comeback. 

LeBron left the Cavaliers again in 2018 to transfer to the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Los Angeles Lakers Home

James’ agent, Rich Paul, shared that the departure from the Cavaliers that led to James’ entry to the Lakers was merely something the NBA star wanted to do. 

"In 2010, when he went to Miami, it was about championships. In 2014, when he went back to Cleveland, it was about delivering on a promise. In 2018, it was just about doing what he wants to do," Paul shared with Sports Illustrated.

James earned his fourth championship with the Lakers in 2020. He is currently in his sixth season with the franchise, and he is now teamed up with his son, Bronny James.

LeBron’s Family

James was raised by a single mother, Gloria James, who struggled financially to provide. His father, Anthony McClelland, hasn’t been present in his life and was reportedly in and out of jail. James honored his mother by taking in her last name.

James married his high school sweetheart, Savannah James, in September 2013. The two have three children: Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri James. The Los Angeles Lakers have drafted Eldest Bronny James as the 55th pick of the NBA Draft 2024. LeBron and Bronny are historically the first father-son duo who will play actively for the same team.

LeBron James Achievements

James’ talent won him games and championships and set and surpassed records. He’s the first NBA Player to surpass 30,000 points and is on the run to be the first to register 50,000 points. Here are other achievements James has tied to his name:

Championships Won

Awards and Records

LeBron’s NBA Career Stats

What Is LeBron James' Net Worth?

According to Forbes, as of October 2024, LeBron James's total net worth is $1.2 billion. James was actually the first active NBA player to reach a net worth of $1 billion in 2022. His net worth comprises his active NBA career, properties, endorsement deals, charities, and other personal endeavors. 

NBA Contracts

LeBron’s Properties

James owns five mansions, two of which are in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. The properties are worth around $100 million. The mansion he and his family live in is a spacious 16,000 square feet, with 8 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. The home also offers high-end amenities like a wine cellar, a game room, a home theater, a cigar room, and a fully furnished gym, which is directly linked to a steam room, shower, sauna, and massage room. Similar to his home in Beverly Hills, the mansion also has an expansive garden that flows into the main living area. 

Endorsement Deals

LeBron has signed deals with multiple big brands. The brands he endorses are Nike, McDonald’s, Beats Electronics, Sprite, Dunkin’ Donuts, Samsung, Kia, Intel, and many more. He also reportedly invested in two companies recently: Blaze Pizza and the English soccer club Liverpool F.C.

Nike Shoe Deal

James has long been Nike’s brand ambassador, with a lifetime contract at $1 billion. He first signed with the brand in 2003 with a 7-year contract at $87 million. While other brands such as Reebok and Adidas also bid their offers, LeBron has represented Nike throughout his NBA career and prior.

James released his 21st signature shoe with Nike, ‘LeBron 21’ on September 2023. Nike released the ‘LeBron 22’ in the ‘Monopoly’ colorway in September 2024, while the ‘Moonlight’ colorway is set to release in November of the same year.

LeBron’s Philanthropy

James has been actively donating to charity to help the younger generations and their future. LeBron has established the ‘LeBron James Family Foundation’ to help the youth recognize the importance of education. Through its ‘I Promise’ program, LJFF provides to more than 1,500 students and their families access to education, family programming, and success beyond schooling. 

James also donates to multiple other charities that share his principles. One is the ‘Boys and Girls Club,’ to which he donated $2.5 million in 2010, ONExONE, and the Children’s Defense Fund.